Warburton earned a stay of execution by beating Bolton 3-2 the next game but has lost three and drawn one of the last four fixtures to prompt Marinakis into action. Defeat by Chris Coleman's strugglers at the City Ground was the final straw.

Marinakis and chief executive Ioannis Vrentzos have paid close attention to Warburton's frequently-changed team selections and were aware of a number of disillusioned players.

Warburton was juggling with a bloated squad and ideally wanted to trim numbers in January but is believed to have had major disagreements with several first-team members.

It is understood Warburton was informed of the decision on Sunday morning.

The writing appeared on the wall after sporting director Frank McParland left before the weekend. Warburton and McParland have a close relationship and came to Forest almost simultaneously in March.

The defeat by Sunderland left Forest 10 points away from the play-off places

McParland left in acrimonious circumstances having had his role at the club limited, with Vrentzos taking an active role in negotiations for potential signings.

Forest will now search for 10th permanent manager in seven years with speculation of a continental appointment due to Marinakis's experience owning Olympiakos.